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6 Best Water Mattresses (Review) In 2021

Last Updated: January 8, 2021

While water mattresses may seem a little too extravagant eighties for some people, those who have taken the plunge understand sweet dreams are made within the best water mattress that you can find. They may not be as common as they once were, and those who have never used one worry about a sudden bout of seasickness just as they’re about to doze off. But, water mattresses are so much more than you might expect.

Just like any other mattress type, whether a standard box spring or a natural latex mattress, water mattresses boast a range of exceptional features and functions that will help you drift off with confidence and comfort. It gives you a unique feeling of floating, so anyone who’s dreamed of vacationing in the Dead Sea can get an idea of what that’s like.

Water beds are not single wobbling structures, either, and this makes them highly customizable to appeal to a range of needs. Users can choose from a free flow mattress, semi-waveless, or waveless mattress designs, and each brings unique benefits that can help relieve pressure and provide a comfortable sleep. You will also encounter the hard side and soft side waterbed mattresses, which offers a further chance to find the perfect style for your needs.

The Best Water Mattress

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Best Choice
INNOMAX Genesis 800 Ultra Waveless Lumbar Support Waterbed Mattress
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Budget Pick
Classic Mattress California King 72 x 84 Semi Waveless Waterbed Mattress
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Premium Pick
Classic Style Deep Fill Waterbed King Size Softside Pillow Waterbed Mattress
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Best Value
Strobel Organic Waterbed Mattress Hydro-Support 1800 King
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1. INNOMAX Genesis 800 Ultra Waveless Lumbar Support Waterbed Mattress - Best Choice

HIGHLIGHTS:

    King size

    Near-waveless performance

    20 year warranty

    Gravity neutral fluid suspension

    4-way tethered support system

    Multi-layer wave elimination system

    Enhanced mid-body support system

1.
INNOMAX Genesis 800 Ultra Waveless Lumbar Support Waterbed Mattress - Best Choice
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The INNOMAX Genesis 800 Ultra Waveless Lumbar Support Waterbed Mattress provides everything you need and expect from high-quality waterbeds. The waveless feel means it's ideal for those unsure about whether a waterbed mattress is right for them while still bringing all the benefits along with it to give you the support you need.

Its King Size design means there’s plenty of room for you to sprawl out without it taking up too much space in your bedroom. Most appealing, though, is the gravity-neutral fluid suspension that enhances mid-body support, making it ideal for those who want to do away with morning aches and pains. Instead, you can enjoy a restful sleep and feel rejuvenated the next day, which is what everyone wants, isn’t it? The four-way tethered support allows for an Integrated Internal Component Stabilization, while the air release valve and L-seam construction find the perfect balance between quality and performance, giving you plenty to love about it. To top it all off, the 20-year warranty means it’s something you can rely on.

Learn more about INNOMAX Genesis 800 Ultra Waveless Lumbar Support Waterbed Mattress

2. Classic Mattress California King 72 x 84 Semi Waveless Waterbed Mattress - Budget Pick

HIGHLIGHTS:

    24 mil vinyl with reinforced corners

    8 - 10 seconds of movement

    Semi-waveless design

    4 ounce bottle of waterbed conditioner fluid included

    Measures 72 x 84 x 9 inches

    Blue and gray color

    Free-floating

2.
Classic Mattress California King 72 x 84 Semi Waveless Waterbed Mattress - Budget Pick
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If you're looking for a mattress that delivers exceptional durability, the Classic Mattress California King 72 x 84 Semi Waveless Waterbed Mattress is the perfect choice to bring into your home and see what all the fuss is about. The construction delivers 24 mil vinyl with reinforced corners that keep it stable and long-lasting, ensuring years of satisfying comfort that you can’t afford to miss out on any longer.

Like any decent product, though, there is much more to it than this. Its semi-waveless design gives you a useful in-the-middle experience, being neither too firm nor too 'bouncy'. This results in just eight to ten seconds of movement when you shift around, which is hardly anything in the grand scheme and still gives you a relaxing free-floating experience. This means it’s something you'll look forward to lying down on when it’s time to rest your weary head. As for maintenance, you can extend the lifespan with a four-ounce bottle of waterbed conditioner that prevents algae and mildew from growing on the inside, preventing any issues through the years.

Learn more about Classic Mattress California King 72 x 84 Semi Waveless Waterbed Mattress

3. United States Water Mattress California King 95% Waveless with Lumbar Support

HIGHLIGHTS:

    Charcoal gray color

    3-4 seconds of slow movement

    Contour mid-body support

    Heavy-duty vinyl

    Reinforced corners

    Lifetime Prorated warranty

    Made in the USA

3.
United States Water Mattress California King 95% Waveless with Lumbar Support
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Those who have space to use up in their bedroom should pay some serious consideration to the United States Water Mattress California King 95% Waveless with Lumbar Support. It is compatible with hardside waterbed frames and comes with contour mid-body support that guarantees a restful and refreshing sleep every time. As a near-waveless model, you can experience exceptional wave reduction to ease you off to sleep, but still get the classic waterbed to feel that is the whole reason you're here, anyway.

The heavy-duty vinyl makes it one of the most impressively durable choices you can find, and this combines with the reinforced corners that help it excel at providing exceptional peace of mind. As for the interior, the supplied waterbed conditioner keeps everything in the best shape, minimizing (or even eliminating) issues. The lifetime warranty is also something to celebrate, and as it’s made in the USA (one of the few water mattresses to boast such a fact), you're assured remarkable quality.

Learn more about United States Water Mattress California King 95% Waveless with Lumbar Support

4. Classic Style Deep Fill Waterbed King Size Softside Pillow Waterbed Mattress - Premium Pick

HIGHLIGHTS:

    Plush firmness

    Very soft and super comfortable

    Bamboo pillow top cover included

    Electric pump with hose adapters

    Adjustable digital heating system

    King size

    90%, 95%, or 100% waveless or free flow options

4.
Classic Style Deep Fill Waterbed King Size Softside Pillow Waterbed Mattress - Premium Pick
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The Classic Style Deep Fill Waterbed King Size Softside Pillow Waterbed Mattress is a fantastic choice for anybody who loves to feel they're sinking into a cloud whenever they climb into bed. This is thanks to the plush firmness that ensures an ultra-comfortable experience that anyone who cares a lick about their sleep quality should consider.

It may not have the stability you find with a waveless water mattress, although such options are possible, but this isn’t designed for such needs. Instead, you can enjoy the full motion to softly bob and rock to sleep with absolute ease. The softside mattress design makes it more modern than hardside alternatives, which helps it blend in with your contemporary decor. It also comes with a safety liner bamboo pillow top cover. The adjustable digital heating system will impress, giving you flexibility throughout the year, while the electric pump with hose adapters makes filling it and emptying it easier than anything else we've selected. Because of this, it scores high on the convenience side, which is always something to look out for.

Learn more about Classic Style Deep Fill Waterbed King Size Softside Pillow Waterbed Mattress

5. INNOMAX Sanctuary Free Flow Full Wave Waterbed Mattress

HIGHLIGHTS:

    Queen size

    Full wave performance

    20-year warranty

    Weightless feel with No Wave reduction

    Gravity neutral fluid suspension

    Double reinforced corners

    20 mil premium vinyl

5.
INNOMAX Sanctuary Free Flow Full Wave Waterbed Mattress
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The INNOMAX Sanctuary Free Flow Full Wave Waterbed Mattress boasts full wave performance perfect for conjuring up memories of lazing on a Lilo while vacationing at some tropical resort. As a Queen-size mattress, it's big enough for two without taking up too much space, while the 20-year warranty is always something you need to look out for giving you the peace of mind you crave.

When laying on it, you can enjoy a weightless feel typical of INNOMAX Sanctuary products, and the No-Wave reduction also means you can get the full benefits and experience that many people look for with waterbeds. There is also gravity neutral fluid suspension that delivers comfortable mid-body support to assist in pressure reduction. As for durability, its double reinforced corners minimize the risk of leaks, splitting, and many more problems that you might worry about if this is your first ever waterbed. The 20 mil premium vinyl also stands out as something to look forward to, giving you everything you need.

Learn more about INNOMAX Sanctuary Free Flow Full Wave Waterbed Mattress

6. Strobel Organic Waterbed Mattress Hydro-Support 1800 King - Best Value

HIGHLIGHTS:

    King size

    Naturally fire-resistant

    Unique deep-molded feathertop pressure reduction surface

    25 mil vinyl

    Made in the USA

    Allows for true floatation sleep

    Ensures relaxing and peaceful sleep

6.
Strobel Organic Waterbed Mattress Hydro-Support 1800 King - Best Value
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The Strobel Organic Waterbed Mattress Hydro-Support 1800 King provides an eco-friendly solution for your waterbed search. Its primary appeal lies in the unique deep-molded feathertop pressure reduction surface that makes aches and pains the day after a restless night a thing of the past. The splendid news is that the more you get used to it, the more beneficial it will become. Soon, you'll wonder how you lived without a waterbed for so long.

It is also naturally fire-resistant, which will give you confidence in its durability, as will the impressive 25 mil vinyl to provide exceptional heavy-duty performance. This mattress allows for a true floatation sleep, meaning you will literally feel you're sleeping on air, rather than feeling trapped in the overly plush nightmare that you may experience with a classic mattress. From this, you can look forward to a relaxing sleep that is as peaceful as it is appealing, giving you a natural experience that you will struggle to find anywhere else.

Learn more about Strobel Organic Waterbed Mattress Hydro-Support 1800 King

Features To Consider With Water Mattresses

As with any purchase, you want to ensure that you choose the best mattress for whatever needs you have. This means considering everything from the wave level and feel, firmness, and overall maintenance. To give you a sufficient idea of things to consider when purchasing a waterbed mattress, we've compiled a short but thorough guide to help you make the best decision.

comfy water mattress

Wave Level And Feel

There are three wave levels you will encounter when searching for the perfect waterbed mattress. These include waveless, semi-waveless, and free flow. The level you choose will depend on several factors and also depends on the design of the waterbed mattress.

A waveless waterbed mattress boasts more fiber, foam, and resin. This keeps motion to a minimum. At the same time, it increases support, which is why you could liken it to a standard firm mattress if you want a familiar comparison.

A semi-waveless mattress does not use as many fibers or foams, also known as baffles, but they are still there. This will provide some support, although not as much as a waveless model. You can also control the water motion easily while still ensuring decent motion isolation.

Free flow waterbeds act exactly as the name suggests. They are also referred to as full wave mattresses and allow the water to move around the mattress freely. This means you do not get as much support, making it similar to a plush or extra-soft mattress. As it only contains water, there are no baffles, which ensures natural movement for the water inside.

When deciding which mattress feel is best for you, consider what you prefer from a standard mattress and make a decision based on this.

Firmness

As waterbed technology has improved since they were first introduced in the sixties and seventies, you can expect modern waterbeds to offer the best firmness that many might compare with standard memory foam, latex, or springbox mattress.

We've already touched on the firmness in the section above, so you should already have an idea of how your mattress firmness is impacted by the design. As a rule, the more baffles in the mattress, the more firm it will be.

However, many people who are not used to mattress shopping consider firmness to equate comfort. the more firm the mattress is, the less comfortable it will be. This is not the case. Most times, a firm mattress provides more support. Therefore, if you experience back pains, or even sleep on your stomach or back, a firm mattress is better for you.

For side sleepers, look for a waterbed mattress that offers a little give, as this allows the waterbed to mold to your shape better while still providing effective lumbar support. Despite this, you shouldn't invest in a specific firmness just because we say so. You know your body better than us, so if you know the level of firmness you prefer, look for a waterbed mattress that matches this.

water mattress firmness

Temperature Control

If there’s one feature that sets waterbed apart from regular mattresses, it is the ability to adjust the temperature. Whether you're a hot sleeper or a cold sleeper, you can find excellent benefits from waterbed temperature controls.

An adjustable temperature allows you to overcome the problems you can encounter during the year. If it is too hot, you can lower the temperature to provide a refreshing experience. Likewise, if you're too cold during the winter, feel free to crank the temperature up without the need to add additional layers that could cause discomfort and impact sleep quality throughout the night.

Most waterbed mattresses come with a single temperature control console. However, there are others that use a dual bladder. This is ideal for couples who need to regulate their temperature differently while sleeping. As not everyone sleeps the same way, a dual bladder waterbed will ensure everybody is comfortable.

You can also use the temperature controls when recovering from injury. As cold water can help with muscle recovery, you can turn the temperature down if you have sore muscles following a run or workout, which can help you get back on your feet much faster. This same process is also useful for those with low mobility.

Adjustable Features

Temperature controls are just one example of adjustable features when searching for waterbeds, though. Depending on the brand, you will come across a variety of high-quality options that can help you find the ideal position and setup for a good night's sleep.

These adjustable features can include the makeup of the mattress, whether it is a softside waterbed mattress or hardside waterbeds. For some brands, you may be able to purchase replacement frames that can enhance the lifespan, and even change the flow-style to suit your needs better.

You can also consider how to adjust your experience on top of the bed. If you are not used to waterbeds, it might take a few nights to become comfortable with the sensation, even if you choose a waveless design. With this, you can use pillows to provide additional support and motion isolation, allowing you to ease towards better comfort and embrace the magic of a waterbed.

Maintenance

Maintenance is essential regardless of what you purchase, but with waterbeds, you should consider it a priority. You don’t want the waterbed to split or burst, so keep all sharp objects away from it. It doesn't matter how careful you are or how durable the high-quality vinyl construction is, even slightly too much pressure will spring a leak.

Although leaks are not as much of an issue as they once were, you still don't want to deal with them. However, you should be able to patch smaller leaks up.

You might worry about pet claws piercing the vinyl, too. Usually, your pets are not heavy or the claws are not sharp enough to do so. Still, it's best for you to keep them away from waterbeds as much as possible to prevent any issues. A safety liner can also prevent accidental piercing and will give you greater peace of mind.

It's also worth considering the water within your waterbed. While you shouldn't need to replace it at all other than when moving the mattress, you should use a waterbed conditioner solution. This will keep the water from sprouting algae and bacteria, which could cause unpleasant odors that could be impossible to get rid of. This is not a one-time thing, either, so replenish the condition every year.

Keep your waterbed clean, as well. While vinyl doesn't absorb fibers and debris the same way that latex, memory foam, or innerspring beds do, you should still carry out basic care every few weeks at the very least.

mattress cleaning

Types Of Waterbeds

You can't simply pick any waterbed mattress. If you want to find the perfect mattress for your needs, you need to consider the different types that are available. The two most common types of waterbed are hardside waterbed mattresses and softside waterbed mattresses.

Hardside Waterbed Mattresses

Hardside waterbed mattresses may sound fancy, and to a degree, they are. However, there is nothing too complicated about them. A hardside mattress means it comes with a bedframe.

This mattress looks closer to a traditional bed, which is useful if you want to maintain a traditional aesthetic. They come with headboards that are either plain or in a bookcase-style, depending on the brand. You might also be able to find styles that include more features, such as bedside tables or cabinets.

While they offer a certain level of convenience, they also have a few setbacks. For one, hardside mattresses are only compatible with California sheets. The idea of owning a bed that is big enough to sprawl as much as possible is alluring, for sure, but it also limits your options with purchasing new linens. If you don’t have space in your bedroom, you may also end up disappointed. Before choosing your waterbed, measure the space in your room. A California King mattress is six feet wide, but you will also need to consider the additional space taken up by the hardside frame.

Hardside waterbed mattresses also offer high voltage temperature control, giving you more oomph, and this could be useful if you live in colder climates for most of the year.

Softside Waterbed Mattresses

Softside Waterbed Mattresses use foam bolsters to help it keep its shape when you are lying down on it. This is where the name ‘softside’ comes from. Pretty straightforward, no?

This foam is covered with fabric, and there is also a padded top that protects the mattress. To complete the softside mattress, it will sit on an upholstered bed frame, similar to a traditional box spring.

While hardside mattresses only use California sheets, a softside mattress is more versatile. Instead of being restricted to single sheet size, you can use regular bed linens and bedsheets for your softside mattress. This makes it easier to shop around and find the ideal style to match your bedroom decor, rather than settle for something you don’t feel is right.

Another benefit of softside waterbeds is that they are more modern, which is ideal for those hoping to design a contemporary home. You may also be able to use your existing bed frame without the risk of the mattress bulging. You will also find that softside mattresses are easier to climb out of every morning, and this is something that should appeal to those who wake up with aches and pains or just dread getting out of bed and facing the nonsense of the day altogether.

The heating controls are not as powerful as hardside mattresses, but this is not necessarily an issue, and it also means you won’t be tempted to crank up the heat too much.

water mattress detail

Water Mattress FAQ

Q: Are water mattresses good for the back?

A:

It has probably flown under the radar for you considering you've not paid attention to waterbeds ever in your life. However, modern water mattresses are just as effective as traditional spring box mattresses for easing back pain.

Once upon a time, water mattresses got a bad rap. People believed they were too mobile, which meant you could not get sufficient back support to enjoy a comfortable night's sleep. But, as water mattress technology has evolved, there are few differences between a water mattress and a traditional style if you are looking for back pain relief.

In fact, some people consider water mattresses to be better for back pain compared to other mattress styles. This is because of the water's heat, which can promote blood flow even during the night. This will ensure you can stay more nimble, reducing and hopefully eliminating the strain that you typically feel when waking up every morning.

Sleep experts are still reluctant to recommend water mattresses as a 100% solution for back pain, and they will always recommend using a bed that you find comfortable above all else. Despite this, many people experience back pain because their current bed is too soft, meaning they sink into the mattress which does not offer the right support. With a variety of water mattress types available which can improve motion isolation, some might find that a water mattress is the best option for them if they hope to relieve back pain.

Q: How long should a waterbed mattress last?

A:

If cared for properly, and if the construction is up to standard, you can expect your waterbed to last 20 years, and perhaps even longer if you take exceptionally good care of it.

But, if there is one thing that will generally put most people off of investing in waterbed mattresses, it is the idea that the vinyl material will tear regardless of how durable the manufacturer claims it is. The last thing you want is to wake up in the middle of the night having sprung a leak considering how much water is required to fill even a small waterbed.

Despite this fear that even experienced waterbed owners experience (as there's always the chance you might nick the material and cause a small puncture), there are a few positives to consider with the durability of waterbeds, too. One primary factor that appeals to owners is that waterbeds won’t sag or dip, even after many years of sleeping in them. This is something that happens with memory foam that becomes too used to your body shape and weight.

Likewise, you don't have the degradation that comes with spring beds, and there's no risk of the springs popping up through the surface in the middle of the night.

With regular maintenance, you are guaranteed to extend the lifespan of your waterbed, whether it is a free flow waterbed, semi waveless model, or waveless waterbed mattress.

Q: Do I have to change the water in a waterbed?

A:

The good news is that you should not need to change the water in a waterbed if you plan on keeping it in one place for the entire time you use it. As the waterbed should be permanently sealed, there is no risk of algae, mold, or mildew forming on the inside which could degrade the vinyl in the worst-case scenario, or leave your bedroom smelling slightly too off. You can avoid this entirely by mixing some waterbed conditioner when filling the mattress. Some waterbed models will include a conditioner in the pack, whereas others will require you to purchase the conditioner independently.

However, as water is heavy, so trying to move a waterbed full of water will be tricky to move no matter how much you've hit the gym recently. Because of this, everyone should empty their waterbed before trying to move it.

You will need to drain the waterbed completely, or at least as much as possible. Otherwise, the mattress will be too awkward to move around. While you should still be able to transport the mattress, it will be more effort than it's worth.

To accelerate the draining process, you can use an electrical pump which may come with your waterbed, but also might not depending on the brand. If you have time to wait, you can leave it to drain manually, although you will need to find a place for the water to run off so you don’t overwhelm your bathroom drain or soak your carpets.

water mattress

Q: What temperature should a water mattress be set at?

A:

One example of useful waterbed mattress features many people don't know about is the ability to set the ambient temperature. These waterbed mattress features are ideal for providing comfort all-year round, delivering an exceptional feeling that guarantees improve sleep quality.

In the winter, a warm mattress can make you feel you're getting a cozy and welcoming hug. It's also useful to activate the temperature as the mercury drops outside, preventing any chills during the night when you weren't expecting it.

In the summer, you can adjust the temperature t0 provide some relief during excessively humid nights where you cannot seem to get comfortable. This versatility is part of what makes waterbed mattresses such an appealing option for many people, even if they never thought they would need or want a waterbed mattress.

As for the optimal temperature, we understand everyone sleeps differently. So, there is no definitive temperature that will suit everybody. Still, the average temperature that enables adults to sleep comfortably is between 60 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit. For waterbed mattresses, this can be a little different depending on the mattress brand and the individual, but you should get a comfortable sleep at somewhere between 85 and 92 degrees Fahrenheit.

When you first use your waterbed, try these temperatures, and if it doesn’t work for you, adjust accordingly.

Q: How do I clean a waterbed mattress?

A:

Maintaining a waterbed mattress by keeping it as clean as possible is the best way for you to extend the lifespan and prevent any issues that could hinder your sleep quality as well as the durability of the mattress.

Here is our short guide for cleaning a waterbed mattress to ensure longevity.

  1. Strip The Bed - It sounds obvious, but you should always strip the bed before cleaning it and remove all duvets, pillows, bedsheets, and throws. As you're cleaning the mattress, you may as well clean these, too. Throw all linens in the washing machine while you clean the mattress.
  2. Use A Cleaning Agent - As most waterbed mattresses are constructed using vinyl, you should start cleaning the mattress with vinyl cleaning. This is a specialized formula that is designed to clean vinyl effectively without damaging the material. When applying the vinyl cleaner, make sure to follow the safety instructions on the bottle and open the windows to ventilate the room, preventing any light-headedness that could occur from the chemicals. Apply the cleaner to a clean towel and wipe the mattress surface, going over it once or twice. When you are satisfied, wipe away excess moisture with a dry cloth. Other cleaning products are available, but these are not as effective compared to the specialized vinyl cleaner. If you cannot source vinyl cleaner, check with the manufacturer which products make decent alternatives.
  3. Dry The Mattress - Before replacing the bed linens, make sure the mattress is entirely dry and give it another wipe down with a cloth if you need to do so. By doing this, you prevent your sheets from becoming damp, which is never pleasant, and you also prevent the risk of mold or mildew forming in the space between the mattress and the sheets.

To ensure you maintain your waterbed properly and keep it in the best condition possible, we recommend you clean the mattress at least once a month, and even more often if you spill something on it.

Sources

    Post exercise ice water immersion: Is it a form of active recovery? - NCBI

    Water Beds and Back Health: The Pros and Cons - Novachiro Wellness

    How to Drain a Waterbed Without a Pump - How Stuff Works

    Cleaning A Waterbed Mattress - Do It Yourself

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